The people had just been abundantly fed with the precious truths of His kingdom. He had been feeding them all day with the words that satisfy their souls about the beauty and majesty of His kingdom and His plan for their lives.

As the evening approached, the sun began to set. It radiated its glowing crimson rays upon the mountainside dotted with an unnumbered cast of characters of every walk of life. Men and women of every craft and trade, pertaining to the fishing and agricultural culture from which they came, paid their rapt attention to the Divine Teacher. On the foreground of the mountain flowed the sea of Galilee. Upon its clear, serene surface was reflected the dazzling beauty of the setting sun as it penetrated its majestic rays through the thin, low-lying clouds.

The Savior, recognizing the lateness of the hour and the tiredness of His long-held assembly, compassionately dismissed His audience as He instructed His closest disciples to prepare for their journey back to the other side of the sea of Galilee. As He and His companions entered their boat, the itinerant, Master Evangelist seized the opportunity to get some much-needed sleep in the bottom of the ship.

Then suddenly, as so often happens on the sea of Galilee, a great storm arose. The winds billowed ferociously. The sea raged uncontrollably, tossing its rebellious waves into the wind-tossed boat. Jesus’ companions became sore afraid, scared and troubled. Then they, remembering that Jesus was in the ship, cried out Him, “Master,carest thou not that we perish?  He awoke and bid the waves and wind, “Peace be still”. As the sea calmed and the winds ceased, His disciples were amazed and reasoned among themselves, “What manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey Him”. Reading their hearts, Jesus pitifully inquired, ” Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:38-41).

And, so it was not too long ago. The people were enjoying economic prosperity. They were eating and drinking abundantly. Jobs were plentiful. The stock market was rising to unprecedented levels. Temporal prosperity seemed unstoppable and hearts were filled with hopefulness. Fun and games reigned supreme.

Then suddenly, a storm, unimaginable in its scope and unrelenting in its destructive force, arose. It is called COVID19, better known as the coronavirus. Frivolity was transformed into thoughtfulness. The stock market precipitated by unthinkable rates. Jobs were lost and hopes shattered. Pensions evaporated and panic disposed confidence. Fear decimated hopefulness. Suddenly, cries were made to the One they seemed to have forgotten. Some even blaming Him for the storm. Like the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, some two thousand years ago, the masses are crying out to Him, “Know you not that we perish”.

In His characteristic compassionate nature, He responds, ” Know not that I rule the raging of the sea… and that when the waves arise, I still them? (Psalms 89:9). Then He lovingly bids  us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).  Now is not the time to be afraid. Reflect on the precious gift with which He has imbued you. The apostle Paul reminds us, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:14-15).

As you practice social distancing and are confronted with the closing of  the church doors, seize the opportunity and space to embrace Divine Closeness by studying more His word. Take the time to commune more with your Savior through constant, fervent prayer; not only for yourself, but also for family, friends, country and a world that is moving rapidly towards its prophetic destiny. Pray, yea, even pray for your enemies. Claim His promise, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). No need to fear.

He has long ago opened a door to His heavenly sanctuary that no government, ruler, politician nor potentate can close. He is appealing to you to  enter with confidence. For, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

If there was ever a time that we need His grace and mercy, it is now. The enemy may have intended the COVID19 crisis for evil; but Creator God is using it to ensure that His Truth  springs forth. No, this is not His act, as so many believe. He is our God who is plenteous in mercy, delights in goodness and is full of compassion and illimitable grace. Be sure not to neglect His precious offer to you personally today, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Ask Him to make you an instrument in His hand to comfort someone.  Let others know that He indeed cares, is still in control and has great plans for their lives.

The coronavirus with its accompanying scare and fear is not our greatest problem. The virus with which we are all affected is sin (the breaking of Gods’ commandments, 1 John 3:4). It is infinitely more dangerous and deadly than COVID19. Its only remedy is Jesus Christ. The angel prophesied before His birth, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Whether you believe in Him or not, He is still the longing Desire of every heart. He is the Only One that can stop the coronavirus, solve the sin problem that causes it, and fill the yearning of every soul. His faithful friend and servant, Paul, explains it this way, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:13).

What will be the ultimate effects of the coronavirus trauma? I do not know. But this one thing I am confident of; that God’s promises are sure and unfailing. I praise God for the politicians, doctors, nurses, scientists and other healthcare workers in their efforts to mitigate COVID19. But, like the patriarchs and prophets of old, His servants throughout the ages and even the angels, I am assured that one day soon this sin-sick world will come to an end and all will be made new. Coronavirus will not only be mitigated; but eradicated. In the meantime, Creator God assures those who believe in Him, follow Him and obey His commands, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee “ (Isaiah 43:2).

From His own lips proceeds the greatest promise of all, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Then, we can bid COVID19 and its mother, sin, ‘goodbye’. For God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:4-5).

Therefore, there is no need to fear.